This week’s program “Tips of the Trade” features four of our own Portland Rotarians sharing from their wealth of experience that could be of help to any of us. Their task is to share with us some tips that might be helpful the next time we need to buy or use a product or service from their respective industries....buying or selling a house or building, paying for insurance, paying or filing for worker’s compensation, or filing your taxes.
Come hear from the experts!!!
Jerry Angier - Insurance
Ron Bennett - CPA
Jack Carr - Engineering, Structural John Marr – Insurance - Worker’s Comp
Last Friday, we heard a truly inspirational tale from an amazing young man named Lonnie Hackett. Lonnie grew up in Bangor and fell in love with sports, eventually heading off to Bowdoin, where he began to feel that he was “doing everything for himself." He went to football practice, he studied and he worked out, but eventually he was introduced to Dr. Richard Bale, who worked with the impoverished people of Zambia, in southern Africa. Dr. Bale asked his listeners to “get inspired” so, after some consideration, Lonnie applied for one of five scholarships and, just like that, he found himself on a plane to Lusaka, the capital, with only one instruction: “get inspired!”
After spending time with some of the poorest children in Africa, and understanding that 95% of the young girls on the streets were HIV-positive, Lonnie’s life was altered. Now, at the tender age of 24, Lonnie finds himself as the founder and president of 'Healthy Kids/Brighter Future,' a fledgling non-profit that has found its footing through grants and aid from local Rotary Clubs like ours.
With over two billion people in Africa with no basic health care, education and hands-on training at schools and hospitals in Zambia, they have begun to help with these near-forgotten children, one of seven of which will not see the age of seven. But, with 86% of the children attending schools, Lonnie and his crew have been able to transform the teachers into much more than just educators. With an increased ability to provide much-needed health screenings, as well as improved sanitation and hygiene, the schools have become a gateway in allowing the educators to become entrusted with more of the health concerns that have torn apart entire communities.
Lonnie started in five schools, then 35, and now his agency is providing assistance in 55 schools for 11,000 young Africans, with government promises to replicate the programs and provide help to 25,000 more children over the next two years. Lonnie and his team have made a difference in the world, and Portland Rotary should be proud to have provided assistance. As Lonnie’s motto states: “if not us, then who? If not now, when?”
The meeting on Friday started on a quiet note, due to a microphone that was not making much of an effort to do its job. HELLO!
Peggy Wescott on Invocation; Bob Martin led us in the Pledge of Allegiance; and Bill Blount led us in song. President Bowen introduced 4 visiting Rotarians, and 6, no make that 5 guests. One had to leave early.Recognizing the 74th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day coming up this coming Monday, President Bowen welcomed Jim Willey to the podium. Jim was pinch-hitting for Earle Leavitt, our Navy veteran who witnessed the event first hand. We’ve always appreciated hearing Earle tell us of that fateful day, and respect him for telling Jim, who had gone over to pick Earle up, “not today.” In his place, Jim respectfully told Earle’s story of being at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. Earle was stationed at Hickam Field, and like so many others, scrambled out from his barracks in his skivvies. As a Japanese fighter plane came in low, Earle was so close he locked eyes with the pilot, who incredibly had a strange smile on his face. Undoubtedly the sight of Earle in boxers on the tarmac was amusing to the pilot. Earle didn’t stick around for the punch line...too close for comfort. Earle, we missed you at the meeting, hope you’re feeling better.Bob Traill provided us with a 'History Moment' circa 1941-42. There was a connection between the growth of the club against the national backdrop of war. Prior to those years, the club was adept in attendance and club functions, but rather staid in its efforts of service towards local and international needs. Good thoughts, but not much action – garnered “low marks” from Bob. No women in the club – earned a “Z” rating from him. Doesn’t get any lower! But the onset of WWII brought transformation in service activity. For starters, the club was very active in selling Defense Bonds in the community. They provided training to businesses and merchants in the event of Portland ever seeing enemy attacks, which was certainly possible. The club was known for entertaining Veterans, donating to the Red Cross, and providing aid to families that had lost loved ones. On the international side, the club donated dollars for air-raid shelters abroad. Many of the guest speakers who had first-hand war experiences shared their stories, including a British ship captain who had been captured by the Germans. One interesting highlight was when the club listened to a live radio broadcast of Winston Churchill addressing the U.S. Congress. Debates were held at the meetings, for example Bowdoin students vs. Portland HS students.
After closing his comments, Bowen noted that our Bob is the oldest Marine living in Maine. Jim Willey added that Bob had seen a lot of action and served bravely in the war, eliciting a rousing cheer of appreciation from the audience.
December Birthdays were noted – Happy Birthday, Dear Rotarians!
Nicely led by Nan Heald, the weekly raffle card draw was at the $800 mark, but Ron Bennett had no luck in finding the Queen of Hearts.
Kerstin Kirchner spoke about the Rotary Vocational Training Team (VTT). These are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about a particular field or to learn more about their own. Teams can be funded by district grants and global grants. There is a trip being planned for Argentina, and the group is actively looking for those who specialize in social/mental health care. Applications must be submitted by January 5th.
Ellen Niewoehner received a bronze backer for her Rotary pin for bringing in a new member!
Hey, who didn’t hand in their meal ticket? Bowen’s sting operation captured 6 Rotarians. No word as to the value of these tickets on the black market.
Ethan Schechter gave us an update on 'Americorp AIMS HIGH' volunteer opportunities. This is a school improvement initiative where volunteers provide direct support to students both academically and socially. Americorp trains and places volunteers in area partner schools to work one-on-one with students. 5-8 volunteer hours per week is typical, but it can range. Volunteers range from ages 17-80. If you are interested, talk to Ethan, 775-0105, ext 139.
Community Service Chair, Erik Greven, told us that 150+ Thanksgiving dinners were served at St Vincent DePaul’s at our annual event to help people in need of a hot meal. Great job! He added that more slots are open for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing in Monument Square. Team up with a partner and play a duet.
Rob “I’ll be brief” Chatfield cordially invited everyone to join in the Portland Rotary Holiday Beverage Bazaar, next Tuesday, December 8th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Urban Farm Fermentory (fermentory.com/), 200 Anderson Street, Portland (Bayside District) – $20 in advance (helps us prepare) or at the door includes unlimited samples of award-winning ciders, komboucha and honey mead. Great food provided by 'The Cheese Iron' and 'Mainely Wraps.' Check out our facebook page for more info and a great article on ciders by Forbes Magazine. This is a really unique and fun new social event, so we hope to see you there. Spouses, friends, co-workers – show them a good time!
You may register and pay online by clicking HERE
For questions or further information, contact Rob Chatfield: robchat@exitstage.com
Invocation:Paul Tully Program Reporter: John Marr Bits & Pieces Reporter: Julie L'Heureux Registration/Greeter: David Lee Sell Meal Tickets: Tom Nickerson Raffle: Adam Shepherd Badge Box: None Collect Meal Tickets: Loretta Rowe Rotary Moment in History: Jerry Angier 42-43 Song Leader: Amy Chipman Pianist: None Sgt-at-Arms (Early): Chase Bowker Sgt-at-Arms (Late): Dave Putnam
If you would like to mark your calendars, we are
at the following locations through March 2016:
Dec 11 - The Clarion Hotel Dec 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
Dec 25 - NO MEETING - Happy Holidays!
2016: Jan 01 - NO MEETING - Happy New Year!
Jan 08 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Jan 15 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Jan 22 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Jan 29 - The Clarion Hotel
Feb 05 - The Clarion Hotel
Feb 12 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Feb 19 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Feb 26 - The Clarion Hotel
Mar 04 - Merrill Auditorium
Mar 11 - The Clarion Hotel Mar 18 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay Mar 25 - Holiday Inn By-the-Bay
BlueBOLD dates are scheduled Board meeting days.
Any questions, please contact Loretta at: lrowe@maine.rr.com
As we receive applications for prospective members to join our Portland Rotary Club, the names of the applicants will be included in our Windjammer. Any information and/or comments you would like to share will be handled confidentially. Please contact the Club Secretary (Loretta Rowe: lrowe@maine.rr.com). Your input will be appreciated.
PROSPECT BUSINESS SPONSOR(S)
Courtney Bell HCA Healthcare/ Kathy Grammer
Parallon Supply
Chain
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Last Friday, we heard a truly inspirational tale from an amazing young man named Lonnie Hackett. Lonnie grew up in Bangor and fell in love with sports, eventually heading off to Bowdoin, where he began to feel that he was “doing everything for himself." He went to football practice, he studied and he worked out, but eventually he was introduced to Dr. Richard Bale, who worked with the impoverished people of Zambia, in southern Africa. Dr. Bale asked his listeners to “get inspired” so, after some consideration, Lonnie applied for one of five scholarships and, just like that, he found himself on a plane to Lusaka, the capital, with only one instruction: “get inspired!”.JPG)
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Recognizing the 74th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day coming up this coming Monday, President Bowen welcomed Jim Willey to the podium. Jim was pinch-hitting for Earle Leavitt, our Navy veteran who witnessed the event first hand. We’ve always appreciated hearing Earle tell us of that fateful day, and respect him for telling Jim, who had gone over to pick Earle up, “not today.” In his place, Jim respectfully told Earle’s story of being at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. Earle was stationed at Hickam Field, and like so many others, scrambled out from his barracks in his skivvies. As a Japanese fighter plane came in low, Earle was so close he locked eyes with the pilot, who incredibly had a strange smile on his face. Undoubtedly the sight of Earle in boxers on the tarmac was amusing to the pilot. Earle didn’t stick around for the punch line...too close for comfort. Earle, we missed you at the meeting, hope you’re feeling better..JPG)
Bob Traill provided us with a 'History Moment' circa 1941-42. There was a connection between the growth of the club against the national backdrop of war. Prior to those years, the club was adept in attendance and club functions, but rather staid in its efforts of service towards local and international needs. Good thoughts, but not much action – garnered “low marks” from Bob. No women in the club – earned a “Z” rating from him. Doesn’t get any lower! But the onset of WWII brought transformation in service activity. For starters, the club was very active in selling Defense Bonds in the community. They provided training to businesses and merchants in the event of Portland ever seeing enemy attacks, which was certainly possible. The club was known for entertaining Veterans, donating to the Red Cross, and providing aid to families that had lost loved ones. On the international side, the club donated dollars for air-raid shelters abroad. Many of the guest speakers who had first-hand war experiences shared their stories, including a British ship captain who had been captured by the Germans. One interesting highlight was when the club listened to a live radio broadcast of Winston Churchill addressing the U.S. Congress. Debates were held at the meetings, for example Bowdoin students vs. Portland HS students.
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Rob “I’ll be brief” Chatfield cordially invited everyone to join in the